Optimizing a four-props support using the integrative design approach

Modern approach to the design process of technical means requires taking into consideration the issues concerning the integration of different sources of data and knowledge, and various methodologies of design. Thus, the importance of integrative approach is growing. The integration itself could be understood as a link between these different methodological solutions. Another problem is the issue concerning the optimization of technical means because of the range of design requirements. The presented issues are the basis for design approach that uses integrative approach as the basis for constructional optimization of designed technical mean. It bases firstly on the concept of integration three main subsystems of a technical mean: structural one, drive one and control one. Secondly it includes the integration of three aspects of a construction: its geometrical characteristics, its material characteristics and its assembly characteristics. One of areas of utilization of the proposed integrative approach to designing process is elaborating the construction of mining mechanized supports. There different systems of mining support characterizing by different sets of advantages and disadvantages. The importance of the design process is considered with the working conditions of mining supports that are closely linked with geological characteristics of mined beds. A mining mechanized support could be treated as the logical union of three mentioned constructional subsystems. The structural one includes among others canopy, rear shield and foot pieces. The drive one includes hydraulic props and its equipment. Finally the control one include the system of hydraulic valves ant their parameters.